By Ms Michelle Pereira for BISMumbai

‘Run for Flamingo Season 3’ conducted by Wonderling Souls in collaboration with Don Bosco Academy (DBA) - Nerul, Save Navi Mumbai Environmental Group, and Shrunkhala took place on 11 February 2024. The theme for the event was ‘Save Mangroves, Save Wetlands, Save Flamingos to Protect the Environment’.

Recognised as the top-ranked run in Maharashtra and third-best nationwide by the Mumbai Road Runners’ Survey, this event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands, mangroves, and the conservation of flamingo habitats.

Commencing at 5:30 a.m. from Don Bosco School, the 2000 runners and activists who had gathered completed their run at the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters on Palm Beach Road, before heading back to the school grounds. The run featured a half marathon, 10 km run, 5 km run, and a 1 km carnival. The venue was painted pink depicting the colour of the flamingos, with runners and participants wearing pink tees. Mass Zumba sessions, workouts and dances were performed at the end of the run.

The run was an expression of people’s participation in saving the environment. The increasing destruction of wetlands in Navi Mumbai is a cause for concern. In remembrance of World Wetlands Day, it was an appeal to Navi Mumbaikars to put on their running shoes and create awareness of these issues. The organisers received an overwhelming response from the city as well as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 

Ambassador Dharmesh Barai, a mangrove clean-up warrior, said, “The event is not about winning or losing but a platform to bring together every environment lover to dedicate themselves to the cause of saving the wetlands and mangroves.”

The run was supported by Navi Mumbai Police, with Mr Sanjay Yenpure - Joint Commissioner of Police, and other police officers attending the event. Mr Babasaheb Rajale, Director of Swachha Maharashtra Abhiyan at NMMC, was also present at the event. 

‘Run for Flamingos’ started in 2019 and continues to create awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity in the form of migratory birds and marine life, which is a gift to Navi Mumbai. DBA Nerul has been at the forefront when it comes to social and environmental causes.